EdHCT Fact Sheet
IEP Objectives
Kimberly Trimble
Overview
An Individualized Education Program or IEP is a legal document developed collaboratively by education
professionals for students in special education and outlines individualized services to be provided for the
student (NCLD, 2014). Within this document are several objectives that need to be addressed including current
performance, annual goals, special education and related services, accommodations, participation in state and
district-wide tests, transition services and measured progress (NCLD, 2014). Although and IEP must be written
within thirty days of determining eligibility, transition services are not mandated by law to be included until age
fourteen in the state of Florida. Including these objectives also means developing coordinated activities with
measurable outcomes to support the student’s move from secondary school to post-school activities. (NCSET,
2002)
As previously mentioned, an IEP is a collaborative process that includes teachers, parents, and other support
staff such as the guidance counselor and school psychologist. The student is also encouraged, when appropriate,
to participate as well to share their goals and interests.
Q&A
Q: Can transition services objectives be included in the IEP before age fourteen?
A: Yes, the sooner transition needs are addressed, the easier the transition process will be when it becomes
required by law.
Q: What topics should be addressed when developing goals for transition in the IEP?
A: Some topics include postsecondary education, employment, independent living, and community participation
and it’s important to note that these goals must be measurable.
Q: What if the student is not eligible for special education services but has a documented disability or chronic
illness, can an IEP still be developed?
A: Unfortunately, an IEP is reserved for students who receive services due to a special education eligibility.
However, a 504 plan would be an acceptable route to obtaining accommodations for the student.
Q: What if the goals and needs of the student change and the IEP is no longer appropriate?
A: IEP’s are expected to be updated annually (or more often if needed) by a team of professionals to make
revisions and assess student progress toward their goals.
Examples of IEP Objectives
From the Simsbury High School Objective Bank
__ Student will meet with guidance counselor/special education teacher to discuss academic requirements of
pursuing a college degree.
___ Student will demonstrate skill in developing a positive school profile and resume that will be used in the
college application process.
___ Student will develop a career portfolio to compile all vocational-related materials.
___ Student will complete a minimum of two job reports on occupations of interest.
__ Student will identify impact of behaviors on self and others and how it affects learning.
___ Student will assess accuracy of assignments and tests by reviewing for errors and making necessary
revisions.
__ Student will demonstrate understanding of concepts presented in class by applying study skills (e.g. note
taking, outlining, summarizing).
___ Student will gain understanding of class content by identifying key words, taking notes and using
compensatory devices as needed.
___ Student will identify steps necessary to ensure a safe environment, such as obtaining appropriate assistance
during emergencies, dealing with strangers, having appropriate ID and knowing when and how to use it.
___ Student will register to vote (if age 18) and learn the skills to use the voting machines.
___ Student will learn the skills to access appropriate medical care (calling doctors to make appointments).
Resource List
National Center on Secondary Education and Transition www.ncset.org
National Center for Learning Disabilities www.ncld.org
References
Adolescent Health Transition Project (2011) Children and Youth with Special Health Care
Needs. Center
on Human Development and Disability Washington State Department of Health. Retrieved from
https://depts.washington.edu/healthtr/documents/iep.pdf
Bureau of Special Education (2007) Topic: Brief Writing Transition Goals and Objectives
Connecticut
State Department of Education. Retrieved from
http://www.ncset.org/publications/printresource.asp?id=2967
Institute on Community Integration (2002) Parent Brief: IDEA 1997 Transition Issues. National Center on
Secondary Education and Transition. Retrieved from
http://www.ncset.org/publications/viewdesc.asp?id=423
NCLD Editorial Team (2014) What is an IEP? National Center for Learning Disabilities. Retrieved from
http://www.ncld.org/students-disabilities/iep-504-p